Product Developer FTW (Parental Leave Cover)

Axel Arigato Sweden; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 650,000 - 850,000; Full time

Job summary

Axel Arigato Sweden is seeking a Product Developer in Footwear to cover parental leave for about one year. You will lead from concept to final sample approval, driving new constructions and updates through materials and colorways.

The role collaborates with Design, Sustainability, Merchandising, and Operations, and partners with external suppliers to streamline development. You will own the process from prototype to approval, engage with factories, and ensure technical excellence across

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years' experience in footwear development.
• Proven track record managing multiple seasonal and innovation development projects.
• Collaborative experience working with design teams, offering technical direction – at least two years within a brand.
• Solution-oriented and proactive.
• Highly organized with strong technical and aesthetic judgment.
• Confident communicator with factories and suppliers.
• Experience with Rhino (or similar) and 3D printing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Drive the full development lifecycle from concept, prototyping, BOMs, technical development, wear testing, and salesman samples through to confirmation samples.
• Work with Design, sourcing, and external factories to ensure execution follows design ambitions, timelines and tech requirements.
• Create accurate tech packs, BOMs, and other specs; ensure PLM data is enriched.
• Provide technical expertise on constructions, lasts, tooling, and new developments; propose solution-focused options.
• Develop new materials, treatments, and construction ideas to enrich the AA design toolbox.
• Review costing/CBDs and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Conduct supplier visits as needed to ensure quality and adherence to timelines.

Skills

Footwear development

Project management

Design collaboration

Problem solving

Organization

Factory communication

Tools

Rhino

Job description

We're looking for a Product Developer in Footwear to cover a parental leave for approximately one year. The role is responsible for leading the development of footwear products from concept to final confirmation sample approval, including both new constructions and updates to existing styles through new materials and colorways.

The role collaborates closely with internal teams - Design, Sustainability, Merchandising, and Operations - as well as external suppliers to ensure a smooth and efficient development process.

You're a skilled collaborator with deep technical knowledge - someone who builds trust with factories and design teams alike, and takes full ownership from prototype to final approval.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Drive the full development lifecycle from concept, prototyping, BOMs, technical development, wear testing, and Salesman samples through to confirmation samples
• Work closely with the Design team as well as the sourcing office and external factories to ensure execution follows all design ambitions as well as timelines and tech requirements
• Create accurate tech packs, BOMs, and other specs and ensure all PLM data is enriched
• Provide technical expertise on constructions, lasts, tooling, and new developments - anticipate and resolve technical or production issues early in development; always bring solution-focused options
• Develop new materials, treatments, and construction ideas to enrich the AA design toolbox
• Review costing/CBDs and recommend cost-saving solutions
• Conduct supplier visits as needed to ensure quality adherence to development timelines

ARE YOU THE ONE?

• Minimum 5+ years' experience in footwear development
• Proven experience managing multiple seasonal and innovation development projects
• Collaborative experience working with design teams, offering technical direction - at least two years within a brand
• Solution-oriented and proactive
• Highly organized with strong technical and aesthetic judgment
• Confident communicator with factories and suppliers
• Experience with Rhino (or similar), as well as 3D printing and outsole prototyping, is a plus.

DETAILS

• Contract type: Full-time, parental leave cover of approximately 1 year.
• Estimated starting date: December 2026
• Reports to: Head of Development & Production FTW
• Location: Gothenburg
• Work mode: On-site, travel required

ABOUT AXEL ARIGATO

Founded in Sweden in 2014 by Albin Johansson and Max Svärdh, Axel Arigato was born with a disruptive mindset, modernising and democratising the sneaker landscape through a blend of style, quality, community and a digital-first approach.

Grounded in Scandinavian minimalism and elevated with playful, intentional details, every piece is designed with care: crafted to move globally, worn with individuality.

What began online expanded into physical spaces built for energetic cultural exchange: stores and experiences where conversations, performances and unexpected activations dissolve the boundaries between brand and culture.

Today, Axel Arigato continues to evolve with purpose via a people-powered approach. It shows up where culture happens: on streets, at events and across cities.

Built on curiosity. Driven by connection.

OUR VALUES:

DROP
Diversity, Respect, Openness and Passion are our values that we live and breathe. They are the foundation for our current state and what we will always bring with us to the future.